13 countries Canada doesn't want you to visit

Foreign Affairs has issued its strongest travel advisories for nations which they urge Canadians to avoid at all costs. Here they are, along with excerpts from the offical warnings:

Cris Bouroncle
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AFGHANISTAN

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to Afghanistan, due to the unstable security situation, ongoing insurgency, terrorist attacks, the risk of kidnapping and a high crime rate. If you choose to travel to Afghanistan despite this warning, you are taking a serious risk.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to Chad (with the exception of N’Djamena, where we advise against non-essential travel). The security situation in Chad remains unstable and could deteriorate rapidly.

On September 7, 2012, Canada closed its embassy in Iran. Because of heightened regional tensions, Canadian travellers in Iran will be closely watched by Iranian authorities. Iranian irritation at the Embassy closure may heighten this scrutiny of Canadians. Seemingly innocuous behaviours, such as the use of cameras in public places, travel beyond well-established tourist attractions, or casual interactions with Iranian friends, may be misinterpreted and may lead to investigation and harassment. Canadian travellers may be arbitrarily questioned, arrested and detained for a long period.

Canadians who choose to travel to Iran despite this warning should know that the Government of Canada’s ability to offer consular services in Iran is very limited.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to Iraq, except for the areas administered by the Kurdistan Regional Government (the provinces of Dahuk, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah). Considering that there is no resident Canadian government office in Iraq, the Government of Canada’s ability to provide consular assistance in all parts of Iraq is severely limited.

If you choose to stay despite this warning, ensure that you are accompanied by professional security escorts at all times and carefully review your security arrangements on a regular basis.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to Mali due to political instability and ongoing military clashes, as well as the threat of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in northern Mali.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to North Korea (officially named the Democratic People's Republic of Korea) due to the uncertain security situation caused by North Korea’s nuclear weapons development program and highly repressive regime.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the Republic of South Sudan, including the border areas but excluding the city of Juba, due to the high level of armed conflict and violent crime. Consult the Security tab for more information.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to Sudan. The security situation in parts of the country is highly unstable due to high levels of violent crime and armed conflict.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to Syria due to the deteriorating security situation. You should leave by commercial means as soon as it is safe to do so. For over a year, we have been urging Canadians to leave Syria. Many airlines, including Arab League carriers, have suspended their flights from Syria. Battles between Syrian and opposition armed forces have taken place in the vicinity of the airports in Damascus and Aleppo, which could be closed quickly, with little or no notice, and may be subject to checkpoints. Contact your airline to check the status of your flight before travelling to the airport. We strongly recommend that Canadians register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) service.

Canadians who are leaving Syria by land into Lebanon should know that we advise against all travel to the border region. Consult the Travel Advice for Lebanon and transit through this area as quickly as possible.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to Yemen. The level of risk to foreigners is very high as the security situation has deteriorated significantly. You are strongly urged to leave the country immediately if it is safe to do so. As the situation deteriorates further, roads may be blocked and airports may close on short notice. Check the status of your flight prior to travelling to the airport. If you remain in the country despite this warning, you should be aware that the Government of Canada’s ability to provide any type of assistance is extremely limited. Tourism is strongly discouraged.

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